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Krajewski announces birth certificate application changes for minors with DOH

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners

(Oct 21, 2021)

As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more

 

Fall 2021 Newsletter

(Sep 29, 2021)

Check out my Fall 2021 Newsletter now! Read more

 

We're hiring!

(Aug 03, 2021)

We're hiring! Check out the open position. Read more

 

Krajewski: Poverty Wages

(Jul 09, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski says that a single parent working full time at minimum wage is still $2,340 below the poverty line. These are not livable wages. He says these are poverty wages we are expecting single parents to raise children on. It is insulting and it is disrespectful. There is a direct correlation between poverty and gun violence. Krajewski is fighting to raise the minimum wage in Pa. for the first time in 15 years so that fewer children and working parents have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Read more

 

A list of grant opportunities available right now

(Jun 30, 2021)

From support for local businesses to job training, there are a number of grant funding opportunities in Pennsylvania. Here's a look at what's available right now: STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program (Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. Use : Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. Funds : Maximum rebates of $4,000 per plug for full public access and networked charging projects, $3,500 per plug for multi-unit dwelling projects and $3,000 per plug for all other eligible projects, including workplace charging. Application Deadline : First come, first-served. More Information : Click on https://gis.dep.pa.gov/drivingpaforward/ . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who May Apply : Any organization operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in this Request for Applications (“RFA”) is eligible to apply. Use : To support community-based child abuse and neglect Read more

 

Now open for applications: Pregnancy support, career/technical training, museum, library and vaccine funding opportunities

(Jun 17, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol: Pregnancy Support Services (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Community service providers able to serve pregnant and postpartum women with stimulant or opioid misuse issues. Single County Authorities (county drug and alcohol offices) and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) licensed treatment providers are not eligible to apply. Use : To provide pregnancy support services or make referrals to aid pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder. Funds : Approximately 10 to 12 grants up to $600,000 each will be awarded for 18-month projects. Application Deadline : July 13 at 12 PM. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: 2021-22 PA Academic and Career/Technical Training (PACTT) Competitive Funding (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Privately operated residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation offices that are not currently PACTT Affiliates. Use : To develop programs in the following PACTT service areas that adhere to PACTT Standards in order to gain affiliate status: core programming; academic instruction; work related services; and job skills training. Funds : Grants of up to $20,000. No Read more

 

House passes Down syndrome abortion ban after heated debate

(Jun 10, 2021)

While the bill doesn’t directly attempt to limit abortion access, Democrats argued that it would cause hesitation among pregnant people to seek care. Read more

 

Krajewski, Kenyatta push back against false voting ‘integrity’ efforts, promote support for enhanced and expanded voting rights for all

(Jun 07, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 7 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., pushed back against the false right-wing narrative regarding voting integrity efforts Monday, instead promoting the need to increase access to voting for all, and especially for those whose voting rights are under attack. “Over the past 18 months, as we have seen unprecedented movements and victories in the fight against police violence, the defeat of Donald Trump, Democratic control of the U.S. Senate and more; we have also seen a steep increase in attempts by the right-wing elite to disenfranchise the marginalized people who have benefited from these achievements,” Krajewski said during the Defending Democracy event he and Kenyatta led. “That is no coincidence. “Government should be by the people, for the people, but as the people have started shaking things up and dismantling the status quo, their rights to choose their elected officials through free and fair elections have come under attack through farcical efforts to question the integrity of our elections,” Krajewski continued. “We will not stand for this misleading misdirection and we wanted to bring this issue into the spotlight so we can examine the ways in which access to voting must be expanded and voting rights upheld.” “Voter suppression tactics have become as American as apple pie, with almost every generation of Black and brown Americans having to combat Read more

 

Policy Committee vets Fiedler, Krajewski’s administrative fix that would have major impacts on Pa. renters

(Jun 02, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today’s roundtable discussion hosted by state Rep. Rick Krajewski further cemented the need for action on how eviction records are handled in Pennsylvania. Krajewski was joined by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss how eviction proceedings impact tenants long-term and shared how their legislation would establish eviction expungement procedures. Fiedler explained: “I’m proud to hold his hearing to draw attention to a bill I have, with Rep. Krajewski, that would give people who have faced eviction through no fault of their own, the chance to have their record sealed and move on with their life. An eviction filing can lead to a domino effect of traumatic life-changing events that start with losing your home, and can include losing your community, your support system, your children’s school, your employment and more. We need to do everything we can as a society to prevent that from happening to adults, senior citizens, children and all families.” The committee heard testimony from Catherine Anderson, supervising attorney, eviction diversion program, Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Gale Schwartz, associate director, policy and strategic initiatives, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania; Anne Wright, chief technology officer, RentHelpPgh; Nicolás Pastore, former legislative intern, Read more

 

Protections for renters, eviction sealing focus of Wednesday virtual roundtable hosted by Krajewski, Fiedler

(May 28, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 28 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., is working on legislation to help people with evictions on their record and the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People will explore how eviction sealing would impact landlords and tenants. The roundtable discussion will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee will join Krajewski for the roundtable discussion that will include how current law negatively impacts tenants and protects bad-acting landlords and how the proposed legislation would tackle that using a commonsense approach to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to safe housing. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

We’ve lived the pain of separation from incarcerated loved ones. Pa. can do better for families.

(May 25, 2021)

Reps. Donna Bullock and Rick Krajewski discuss the topic of visitation and communication with incarcerated parents, including their personal perspectives as people who grew up with an incarcerated parent. Read more

 

Gun violence is growing. One Philly school community says enough is enough.

(May 23, 2021)

Gun violence is growing. One Philly school community says enough is enough. Read more

 

‘I don’t feel safe’: Southwest Philly school distraught over recent wave of gun violence

(May 20, 2021)

Community members and lawmakers rallied outside of Mitchell Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia in response to the recent surge of gun violence in Kingsessing. Read more

 

Bill to curb 'pretextual stops' of Black drivers introduced in House

(May 08, 2021)

Democratic House lawmakers introduced a bill to prevent police officers from using traffic stops as a pretext for searches. Read more

 

I hosted my first shredding event May 16

(May 06, 2021)

I'm hosting a free shredding event May 16. Read more

 

Krajewski, Burgos, Rozzi and Guzman introduce legislation to allow minors to obtain a copy of their birth certificate more easily

(Apr 28, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 28 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski, Mark Rozzi, Danilo Burgos and Manuel Guzman have authored legislation that would make it easier for youth to access a copy of their birth certificate, which is especially important for youth experiencing homelessness or other challenges where a copy of their birth certificate is essential to getting a job or accessing programs or services. "We must support young people who deserve to have access to every opportunity they need to thrive,” said Krajewski, D-Phila. “Access to birth certificates helps our youth apply for a job, a passport, bank account, housing opportunities, a driver’s license, or to receive services from the government or community-based organizations. These programs and services are essential for youth becoming successful adults. I am proud to work alongside Representatives Rozzi, Burgos, and Guzman to introduce this bill." “Our legislation would disrupt what would likely become a cycle of poverty,” said Guzman, D-Berks. “The youth who need their birth certificate but don’t have access to a copy of it are often youth who are estranged from their family or lacking in a support system. Poverty is cyclical and those in poverty often face huge challenges to work their way out of poverty. Being able to access services and programs is crucial and having a birth certificate is essential to accessing many support programs.” “Sadly, some Read more

 

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant portal reopens Saturday, April 24th

(Apr 23, 2021)

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal will reopen on Saturday, April 24. Updated documents and guidance will be available today (Friday, April 23rd) by clicking here . This is a grant program established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, and is administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue , with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters. Theatrical producers. Live performing arts organization operators. Museum operators. Motion picture theater operators (including owners). Talent representatives. Other requirements of note: Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020. Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount. Read more

 

Krajewski: Restricting Abortion Access is Dangerous

(Apr 23, 2021)

In a hearing of the Pa. House Health Committee, state Rep. Rick Krajewski questioned Dr. Sarah Gutman about how limiting access to abortions does little to lower the number of abortions. Read more

 

Krajewski: We Must Protect Funding for Environmental Protection

(Apr 21, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski expresses his concerns with proposed Republican legislation that could adversely affect the PA Dept of Environmental Protection’s ability to do its job. Read more

 

Local progressive elected officials respond to Chauvin verdict

(Apr 20, 2021)

PHILADELPHIA, April 20 -- A coalition of local progressive elected officials issued the following statement on the unanimous guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin case, and called for systemic change through a new vision of public safety that ends the continual increasing of police budgets, instead investing in communities and public services that prevent violence in all forms. State Sen. Nikil Saval, City Councilmembers Helen Gym, Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier, and State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Chris Rabb issued the following statement: “The violence that was done to George Floyd was simultaneously singular and universal. It was violence enacted on his body, and it was violence done to a family, to a community, to a nation, and to an entire world. The jury’s verdicts signify that the murder committed has been recognized as such by the State: a murder. “This is a reflection of ‘justice’ in accordance with our current systems. But these verdicts alone do not bring healing to a grieving family and to Black and Brown communities across our country. They do not right the fundamental injustice that George Floyd should be alive today. And they do not change the reality that throughout our city and country today, people feel unsafe in their own communities. People feel unsafe because housing is insecure, their families struggle paycheck to paycheck, and if violence happens, few structural supports Read more

 

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners
Oct 21, 2021

Fall 2021 Newsletter
Sep 29, 2021

We're hiring!
Aug 03, 2021

Krajewski: Poverty Wages
Jul 09, 2021

A list of grant opportunities available right now
Jun 30, 2021

Now open for applications: Pregnancy support, career/technical training, museum, library and vaccine funding opportunities
Jun 17, 2021

House passes Down syndrome abortion ban after heated debate
Jun 10, 2021

Krajewski, Kenyatta push back against false voting ‘integrity’ efforts, promote support for enhanced and expanded voting rights for all
Jun 07, 2021

Policy Committee vets Fiedler, Krajewski’s administrative fix that would have major impacts on Pa. renters
Jun 02, 2021

Protections for renters, eviction sealing focus of Wednesday virtual roundtable hosted by Krajewski, Fiedler
May 28, 2021

We’ve lived the pain of separation from incarcerated loved ones. Pa. can do better for families.
May 25, 2021

Gun violence is growing. One Philly school community says enough is enough.
May 23, 2021

‘I don’t feel safe’: Southwest Philly school distraught over recent wave of gun violence
May 20, 2021

Bill to curb 'pretextual stops' of Black drivers introduced in House
May 08, 2021

I hosted my first shredding event May 16
May 06, 2021

Krajewski, Burgos, Rozzi and Guzman introduce legislation to allow minors to obtain a copy of their birth certificate more easily
Apr 28, 2021

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant portal reopens Saturday, April 24th
Apr 23, 2021

Krajewski: Restricting Abortion Access is Dangerous
Apr 23, 2021

Krajewski: We Must Protect Funding for Environmental Protection
Apr 21, 2021

Local progressive elected officials respond to Chauvin verdict
Apr 20, 2021